Game Preview: Wings vs. Ice Miners

Sep 18, 2014

The Aberdeen Wings (1-1-0) are on the ice against the Keystone Ice Miners (1-1-1) today at the NAHL Showcase Tournament in Blaine, Minnesota.

Today’s opponent, the Keystone Ice Miners is technically a new franchise to the NAHL, but originated with the relocation of the Port Huron Fighting Falcons. Now making their home in Connellsville, PA the Ice Miners started their official season before the NAHL Showcase Tournament as they took on the Johnstown Tomahawks for their home opener. The game became a scoring thriller as Keystone scored three goals in the third period to win 5-4. At the showcase, the Ice Miners lost their first match in a shootout with the Topeka Roadrunners. Yesterday, they were blanked by the Austin Bruins 4-0. Leading scorers for the Ice Miners are forwards Jacob Coleman and Garrett Hallford who both have two goals each. Goaltender Alex Blankenburg has started all three games so far this season. The veteran between the pipes has two full NAHL seasons under his belt as a member of the Port Huron Fighting Falcons, where he compiled a career 27-13-4 record, 93% save percentage, and 2.28 goals against average. Blankenburg could be a test today for the Aberdeen Wings.

The Wings are coming off their first victory of the season with a 5-1 win over the Michigan Warriors. Scoring goals in the game were #24 Ronnie Hein (F-Chelsea, MI) with two goals, #15 Brendan Riordan (D-Downers Grove, IL), #8 Drew Doyon (F-Indianapolis, IN), and #16 Kyle Haak (F-Okemos, MI). First-year goaltender #35 Andrew Shortridge (G-Eagle River, AK) stopped 15 of 16 shots for his first career NAHL win. The Wings lost their first game of the season against the Johnstown Tomahawks 3-2, but now defeating Michigan are looking to keep the train rolling.

The Aberdeen Wings take on the Keystone Ice Miners at 4:45pm CST today at the NAHL Showcase Tournament. The game will be broadcast ONLY on FASTHockey.com. Wings fans can watch and listen to the game for FREE at Tapz Pub on the many screens, inside the Ramada. Fans can enjoy great food and menu items, plus fill your own glass with various beer taps located at the buddy bars.